| Product Line: |
Marine & Energy |
| Class: |
Marine Liability |
| Sub Class: |
Maritime Employers Liability (Jones Act) |
| Contact: |
Robert Palmer |
| Coverage: |
Provides coverage for claims arising out of injuries to employees associated with maritime trades who may fall under the Jones Act. |
| Geography: |
Worldwide |
| Paper: |
New York Marine And General Insurance Company
Gotham Insurance Company |
| Typical Insureds: |
Crew claims are ordinarily covered under a P&I policy, so vessel owners do not usually need separate Maritime Employer’s Liability (MEL) coverage. However, any insured whose employees are traveling on or working from non-owned vessels has at least contingent MEL exposure. Key considerations will be the length of time the employee is dedicated to a particular fleet of vessels and the type of work performed. |
| What It Cover: |
An MEL policy covers an employer’s potential liability under the Jones Act in excess of a deduction or retention. A $25,000 sublimit is often available from the insured’s workers compensation carrier, and MEL policies an attach excess of this amount. |
| Underwriting Concerns: |
Total over water payroll, together with payroll estimates for Longshoremen and Harbor Worker’s Act and Jones Act exposures. Location, duration, and nature of work being performed. Average and maximum number of employees exposed at any one time Claims history |
| Tips: |
Some P & I carriers limit Jones Act coverage to specific crew. The intent is to limit coverage to employees performing traditional crew functions and to exclude coverage for contracting personnel working from vessels. In such cases, vessel owners should consider MEL coverage. |